By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos

The Highland Bridge, a pedestrian bridge, crosses I-25 and connects the LoHi neighborhood to Denver’s 16th Street Mall.

West of downtown Denver, roughly 30 minutes from Castle Pines and part of the greater Highland neighborhood is an eclectic little suburb called Lower Highland or LoHi. Located between 38th Street and North Speer Boulevard, LoHi has become an ever-growing and popular neighborhood for singles, young families and those wanting a shorter commute. Not to mention, it’s hip.

Immediately entering LoHi, the visitor will note the architectural differences, old and new, midcentury bungalows nestled next to modern remodels. On many of the street corners sit cafes, shops, craft beer spots and several locales with views of the Denver skyline.

Many of LoHi’s retail establishments have incorporated their historical origins. Linger, an Asian fusion restaurant, is housed in a former mortuary (the Olinger marquee is still there to prove it) – but that doesn’t stop Linger from being a coveted reservation with spectacular views from its rooftop terrace.

Avanti F & B, another unique LoHi destination, has its own unique city views, attracts a younger crowd and boasts seven different restaurant concepts serving customers within modified shipping containers.

Landmarks of LoHi are the Olinger Mortuaries marquee (now Linger Eatuaries) and Little Man Ice Cream, ice cream sold from within an oversized 28-foot, 14,000-pound cream can.

For a sweet treat, try iconic Little Man Ice Cream, a neighborhood hotspot with ice cream so good (even a vegan option) that there are usually two lines. Part of the Little Man experience is the transaction itself – ice cream is sold from within an oversized 28-foot, 14,000-pound cream can. The establishment claims bragging rights as Colorado’s best ice cream in Food & Wine magazine article, “The Best Ice Cream in Every State” – just published last month.

If shopping the 16th Street Mall is desired, walk across the Highland Bridge, a landmark pedestrian bridge crossing I-25 and connecting the LoHi neighborhood to Denver.

For the thrifty, Postino is a wine bar that offers $5 glasses of wine and pitchers of beer respectively until 5 p.m. Part of the former Denver Bookbinding Company, Postino has a unique indoor/outdoor space with vintage furnishings, even a display wall of books that are donations from Postino’s patrons.

If craft beer is the goal, try Recess Beer Garden, an atypical beer garden venue with a robust menu, cocktails and wine, not to mention beautiful outdoor seating. Recess chefs smoke meats daily and their specialty is the pork green chili, which can be added to a build-your-own mac and cheese plate.

For the theatre goer, the Bug Performance and Media Art Center is known for its independent theatrical performances, especially catering to local artists.

The best way to experience the LoHi neighborhood is to park, walk and drink it in – and bring your pet. There are several parks and most of the restaurants are dog friendly. For more information on LoHi, visit denver.org.